The next morning the four of them: Katie, Sean, Bill and Mrs Robinson headed off to the Exhibition. How will we be going asked Katie? I think we will take the train downtown said Mrs. Robinson. Oh that will be fun said Katie. They drove to the train station where Mrs. Robinson could park her car and they purchased tickets for the train and waited for it to come. When will the train be here asked Katie? It shouldn't be too long now said Mrs. Robinson. A few minutes later Katie jumped as she heard the whistle of the train. It is coming she said excitedly. Katie jumped up and went to the edge of the platform to wait. Get back here said Mrs. Robinson. You know not to stand at the edge of the platform in case the train knocks you over. I know I am sorry she said.
When the train stopped they all got onto the train and sat down.
Sean is this train like the one you take to Hogwarts asked Katie? No this is smaller than the train to Hogwarts. This one is much more modern. I think the train to Hogwarts is at least a hundred years old if not older. That train is red and has a huge engine car.
There is one thing that I always wondered about said Katie. What is that asked her mother. well Sean lives in Ireland and Hogwarts is in Scotland correct? Yes Hogwarts is in Scotland. Well then why would he have to go all the way to London to go all the way back up to Scotland? Why not just go directly to Scotland? Wouldn't it save time for everyone? That is a good question but I think they just want everyone to travel together. it allows come control as to when students would be arriving. It also allows some notification if someone does not make the train said Mrs. Robinson. I guess but it doesn't make much sense.
About a half hour later they had arrived at the train station that was in the Exhibition grounds. Katie was the first one off the train. Katie wait for us said her mother. alright she said but Sean is very excited to get there Katie said looking at Sean, aren't you? Yes Katie I am he said smiling. Well a minute is not much time to wait Mrs. Robinson said.
When they got to the gate and Mrs. Robinson paid for the tickets to get into the park they were deciding where to go first. I want to ride the rides said Bill. I want to see the animals and play some games said Katie. Well I want to go to the food building and since I am the adult here we go where I want first. So they headed off to the food building to get something to eat. After they ate Bill asked if he could go to ride on some of the rides. Mrs Robinson agreed to this and they arranged to meet back in a couple of hours in front of the food building to have lunch. So Bill took off to ride on the rides before they knew it.
Well you said that you wanted to go to see the animals Katie so let's go. Ok mommy said Katie as she took Sean's hand. Sean we have to hold hands so that we don't lose you said Katie. Sean just smiled and agreed that that would be a very good idea. He knew that Katie just liked holding his hand. And he didn't mind it either.
When they went into the agricultural building they were hit with a foul smell. What is that said Katie? That is the animals said her mother. do they have to smell so bad she asked? That is what farm animals smell like said her mother. I am glad we don't live on a farm said Katie. I used to live in the country and it is not that bad said Sean. I think it is just because it is warm and there is not enough wind blowing through the building.
They looked at all the animals. Katie got used to the smell and it didn't bother her as much after a few minutes. Where to next asked Mrs. Robinson? I saw that they are having a cat show how about we go and see all the cute cats said Katie? You do know that Sebastian will not be happy if he smells cats on you said Mrs. Robinson. He won't be able to smell them by the time we get home said Katie as she let them all towards the building that was housing the cat show.
I just love cats said Katie as she looked at all the different varieties of cats. She particularly liked the Ragdoll cats. They are so cute and they just sit on your lap. Wouldn't that be wonderful said Katie. Can we get one she asked her mother? No I don't think so. Why asked Katie? Because who is going to look after the cat when you are off to school next year. I could take it with me couldn't I she asked? You are only allowed one pet to take to Hogwarts and that will be Sebastian. He will be able to deliver your mail. Also he would pine after you if you didn't take him with you. You know he only seems to pay any attention to you said her mother. Alright said Katie sulkily.
After the cat show they went to the midway to ride on some of the rides. I can ride all the rides now she said to Sean. Why is that he asked? Because I am tall enough now. Not like in Belfast where I could only ride the kiddie rides. You were pretty awesome on the bumper cars back in Belfast said Sean. Yeah I was wasn't I said Katie proudly.
What about bumper cars asked Mrs. Robinson? Well when I was visiting Sean a couple of years ago we went to the amusements and they had bumper cars. There were some kids that had teased us the year before and also then so when we were on the bumper cars they decided to come after me. Little did they know that I was an expert on bumper cars and I creamed them. They couldn't move because every time they tried I was ramming into them. It was so much fun. No Katie you shouldn't do that said her mother. Why not they were coming after me I had to defend myself. They were around Sean's age so they shouldn't have come after me in the first place said Katie. I had every right to go after them. None the less that is not nice. Sometimes mommy you have to be less than nice said Katie.
Sean and Katie rode lots of rides until they were dizzy from one that went so fast Katie thought she was going to be sick from laughing so hard. I think it is time that we met up with Bill and had some lunch said Mrs. Robinson. Do you think that the two of you can handle eating right now she asked the two of them as they walked back to the Food building? I think so said Katie what about you she asked Sean? I think I can handle it he said. Good, let's go said Mrs. Robinson.
When they got there Bill was no where in site. He had better get here soon said Katie. Why asked Sean? Because I am hungry and I want to have something to eat said Katie. They sat and waited for a few more minutes. Mommy when did you tell Bill to meet us she asked? He was supposed to be here ten minutes ago said her mother. He is late, why is he always late for things asked Katie? I don't know said her mother I guess it must be a teenage thing. Sean is never late and he is a teenager said Katie smiling up at Sean. Well not all of us are as perfect as Sean said a voice from behind them. It was Bill. Well maybe you should try a little bit harder said Katie to her brother making a face at him.
They walked into the food building and went around until they found the type of food they wanted. Bill chose pizza. Katie and Sean had perogies with sour cream and onions and Mrs Robinson had a peameal bacon on a bun. Once they all had their food they sat down to eat. It figures said Bill. What figures asked his mother? That those two would have the same thing to eat said Bill. She would eat anything as long as Sean was having the same thing he said sarcastically. That is not true said Katie. I will not eat liver or turnip or lamb or squid even if Sean was eating it. I learned my lesson with the turnip. Katie had eaten turnip back when she had visited Sean a couple of years ago and got very sick from it.
Well you do everything that Sean does. You like everything that Sean likes. You follow around after him like a puppy said Bill. That is not true said Katie with tears in her eyes. Why are you so mean she said? Sean felt very uncomfortable sitting there listening to this. He excused himself to go to the bathroom.
Katie could tell that Sean felt uncomfortable and when he was gone she turned on her brother. How dare you do this to me she said very quietly but very forcefully. Why do you have to embarrass me in front of Sean she asked? There you go everything is about Sean. Sean is my best friend and he is a guest here. Can't you be polite and keep your opinions to yourself. If you make Sean decide he can't be my friend I will never and I mean never forgive you. I may just have to curse you. You would never be able to go to your precious school if you did that said Bill. Yes I would, I would just say it was incidental magic I am not old enough to have a wand said Katie. Enough you two if you don't stop we are going home right now said her mother. Mommy tell Bill to stop being so rude and mean to me and Sean. Your sister had a point she said to Bill. Sean has been nothing but kind and polite while he has been here and you are being very rude by making him feel uncomfortable. You always take her side mom said Bill. I don't always take her side; I only take her side when she is right which she is on this issue.
A few minutes later Sean returned to find that Katie was sitting there scowling at her brother. When she saw Sean though she started to smile. What do you want to do this afternoon she asked Sean? I don't know what else is there to do he asked? Well we could ride some more rides or we could go and listen to some music or we could look around some of the buildings. I think my mommy wants to visit the buildings though. Then it is the buildings then said Sean. Katie just smiled and looked at her brother.
We can meet back here in three hours and we will go home said Mrs. Robinson. Alright said Bill, I will be back her at four o'clock.
The three of them Katie, Sean and Mrs. Robinson all went around the buildings for a while until even Mrs. Robinson was getting tired. How about we ride some rides she said. I hear that they have a swing ride somewhere around here. They do said Katie excitedly. Yes I do believe they do. Let's go then said Katie grabbing both Sean's and her mother's hand and pulling. I want to ride that ride she said.
When they found the ride Katie got so excited. That is a grown up ride and I can ride it. Come on Sean we have to ride this ride she said taking his hand. What about me said Mrs. Robinson? Do I get to ride the ride too? Oh you want to ride this ride she asked her mother? Yes I do she said. Where do you think you got your love of swings from said Mrs. Robinson? You love swings too said Katie shocked!! Why have you never swung on the swings with me then she asked? I don't really know said Mrs. Robinson. I guess I should have but well I got such joy out of seeing you having so much fun and I always had to push you on the swings I never did swing myself. Well you are going to start doing that right now said Katie taking her mother's hand and leading the three of them to the ride.
They got on the ride and laughed all the way through. That was so much fun cried Katie. We will have to ride that again before we go home she said. I agree said her mother. The rest of the afternoon was spent walking around riding rides and playing games. Sean won a stuffed animal for Katie. This is not a baby so I don't have to marry you twice he said laughing. I know said Katie. Once will do she said smiling. Sean looked at her and laughed.
When it was time to go home they all met at the designated spot and then headed to the train station to take the train home.
Sean and Katie sat together and looked out the window. Sean, why would Bill be so mean to me she asked? I don't know, why would you ask me he said? You are a boy and you are a teenager. I thought you might have some idea as to why he does what he does she said. No sweetie I have no idea. I am sorry he made you feel uncomfortable said Katie. He had no right to do that. Katie I felt bad for you said Sean. I could see how upset you were getting and I didn't know what to say to diffuse the situation. I shouldn't have left. I think it was best that you did. I said some things that needed to be said but I might not have if you had been there. You always are looking out for me said Sean. You do the same thing for me she said. You are always taking care of me. You are very easy to take care of said Sean smiling. You make it very easy. Katie smiled at Sean with tears in her eyes. That was very nice of you to say said Katie as she gave him a big hug.
Bill and his mother were sitting together when Mrs. Robinson spoke up. Bill why are you so nasty towards Sean she asked? I am not nasty towards Sean said Bill. Ok then why are you being so nasty towards your sister in relation to Sean? All I ever hear is Sean this and Sean that. All she talks about is Sean and going to Hogwarts. I am sick of it. Mrs Robinson started to smile. What is so funny asked Bill. I know what the problem is she said. You are jealous. Jealous, jealous of what asked Bill? Jealous of Sean. There was a time that all Katie wanted to do was follow you around and spend time with you. When she wanted to do this you would always tell her to go away and find someone else to bother. Well she did and now that she is older you want her to want to be around you all the time. You are no longer the person she looks up to anymore. She went and found someone else to bother and well Sean doesn't feel that her attention is a bother. Sean likes spending time with Katie. And we all know that Katie likes spending time with Sean. Have you ever heard the saying "careful what you wish for as you might just get it". Well you did and now you don't like it. Mom you are crazy. I am not jealous of Sean. He can have her for all I care. Yeah right said Mrs. Robinson.
You weren't like this until close to the time that Sean was to arrive. Then all of a sudden you decide that he can't stay in your room and you start making nasty comments to your sister. You do know that what you said to her a few days ago really hurt her feelings. She loves you very much and what you say and think is very important to her. Try to be careful of what you say to her especially if your father and I decide to let you stay here to finish school. She is going to miss you very much when we go. She hasn't know a day that you haven't been around. Bill sat there and thought about what his mother had said to him.
Bill sat there looking at Katie as she sat talking with Sean. He does seem to really like being around her. I know that she loves being around him. He is nice to her which is a change from all the other kids around here the thought. I guess it wouldn't be so bad her spending time with him. He seems like nice guy. He treats her well and she does love him, that is very clear. Ok I will give him a break but if he hurts her I may have to kill him.
When they got home Katie was telling her father about all the things they had done all day. She told him all the things they ate and which rides they rode and showed him the stuffed animal that Sean had won for her. Well it seems that you had a good time today said her father. I did daddy, I had a wonderful time. I am glad said her father.
Later on in the evening Katie went up to her mother and asked her quietly if they could have a little party for Sean to celebrate his birthday. I guess we could do that said her mother. We could combine it with your birthday and have a party for you too. That would be wonderful but I will get my presents on my birthday won't I she asked? Yes Katie you will get your presents on your birthday. Good she said. I will have to wrap up Sean's present. I have already done that said her mother. You did thank you so much said Katie giving her mother a hug. We are going to make this a wonderful birthday for Sean aren't we said Katie. Yes we are said Mrs. Robinson.
A/N Thank you to all my readers. I may not be posting until after the new year. Hope all of you have a wonderful Holiday season. Hope you all have a healthy and happy new year.